At: Hullabaloo, 41 Westgate, Shipley, BD18 3QX

Est: 1956

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Topic Newsletter Archive

TOPIC FOLK CLUB, BRADFORD

At Glyde House, Glydegate, Bradford BD5 0BQ

Newsletter No 186 December 2017 

Hello all

Last Newsletter of the year - where did 2017 go? The Topic of course defies the passing of time....

But a short month for us, nevertheless. See here:

7th December: Singers and Musicians. 8.15 start. Free entry. 

14th December: The Strid Den Miller Trio.
A fusion of two popular acts, Strid (Jennie Kiff and Simon Allan) and Den Miller, who appear regularly on the local acoustic music scene. A few years ago, Strid (Jennie and Simon) and Den regularly seemed to sing at the same pubs, open mic nights and folk clubs and got to know each other's set fairly well. Den would put an extra harmony here and there, a bit of keyboard maybe. Then Strid started playing a couple of Den's songs as part of their set now and again. When they discovered they were going to be sharing a double-bill booking, they thought they may as well make an official trio for a good part of it: they’ve been together ever since.

The mix of Simon's virtuoso guitar playing, Den's piano proficiency and three voices in harmony, adds a different dimension to the material, bringing the songs to life more than when they were performing as separate entities. The repertoire consists of Den's songs, and an eclectic mix of tasteful covers, something for everyone. 

21st December: Crickmore: Crewe.
Crickmore: Crewe is a four piece band who, each December, perform a programme of Gallery Carols and Christmas Curios.

The line up consists of ex-Wenchall members Emma Crickmore & Virginia Crewe with husbands Pete Crewe (ex Brillig) and David Crickmore (The Durbervilles). The programme of festive songs they perform are drawn from different sources, many familiar, some not so, but all designed to conjure a rustic atmosphere. Their four part seasonal vocals are complemented by a selection of instruments including vintage harmonium, mandolin, guitar, whistle and percussion.

In Wenchall, as well as countless live performance up and down the country, Emma and Virginia put out three albums, did two live sessions for BBC Radio 2 and sang the theme music to a BBC Radio 4 play.

Plus of course The Holbeck Moor Mummers bring their festive play for this festive occasion - it wouldn't be Christmas without them.

28th December: Club closed.

OTHER STUFF

A final reminder about the recently published book: Folk Song in England, a major new work by Steve Roud who was co-editor of The New Penguin Book of English Folk Songs. If you have a folkie friend it may be just the festive present you've been looking for. Information about the book, and some discussion notes are available on club nights, displayed with all the various flyers. It's certain to be of value to those interested in the history of folk songs.

Assistance required: this from Joy Leach, self-explanatory:

QUOTE

‘I’d like to take Gloria Dallas to the early part of the ‘Christmas’ Topic on Dec 21st. She is temporarily living at Dove Court residential home, Bolton Street, Bradford BD3 8QJ close to the Barkerend Road roundabout. Is there a Topic member who might help to drive her there for 8.30 that evening?  I plan to accompany her so can meet up at Dove court with Gloria. She’ll not be able to stay the full evening so I’ll sort out a taxi later in the evening to take her home. If any one can assist – would you kindly call me on 01274 223665 or email joy.utistugu@blueyonder.co.uk ?’

With lots of thanks.

Joy

UNQUOTE

Just an idea: it has been suggested that the club move Thursday nights forward by half an hour, to start at 8 pm and finish at 10.30. This would have the advantage of avoiding the last bus exodus before the guest has finished, also help those who have to go to work the next morning. Nothing has been decided of course, but if you have any views one way or the other perhaps you could make them known to us (via me by email).
 

NEWS FROM THE AGM.

The committee for the following year comprises: Sue Gaffney; John Waller; Neil Etherington; Liz Narey; Martin Richards; Rahel Guzelian; Tony Charnock. Welcome to Martin, thank you for joining us.

Topic Constitution: the Topic constitution as amended at the AGM will be up on the website in due course for all to see.

USUAL STUFF

For performers who may be thinking of approaching the club for a booking, please note that the bookings organiser is Rahel Guzelian, email address : rahel@guzelian.com

If you would like to become a member of the Topic Folk Club, it costs just £5.00 per year, running from 1st January. Being a member entitles you to the lower ticket prices shown in this newsletter, as well as the chance to become more involved in the workings of the club if you would like to.

If you’re visiting the club for the first time, be sure to come and say hello, and if anyone has any suggestions for the club, for example if you would like us to try to book a particular artist, we’d like to hear them.

The Topic runs on Thursdays at Glyde House, Glydegate, Little Horton Lane, BD5 0BQ 8.30pm start. (Singers & Musicians nights normally start at 8.15pm). Like all the clubs in the area, our aim is to provide good quality live entertainment to suit all tastes of those interested in folk music, and we thank you for your continued support.

Floor singers are always welcome, especially in the first half, though may be limited when we have a booked support act - please check. Please try to get there by 8.15 pm if you’d like a slot – it helps the MC to plan the evening.

To find the Topic on Facebook search for "Topic Fc".

Tony Charnock, Topic Newsletter Editor 

Topic Folk Club